Muslim rebel group leader dies in Philippines: report

SHAFAQNA – According to Anadolu News Agency reported that ” The founder of a breakaway Muslim rebel group involved in a recent clash that saw 44 police commandos killed in the southern Philippines died early Tuesday morning, according to local officials. The news came weeks after reports circulated that Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters’ (BIFF) Ameril Umbra Kato was seriously ill. Local mayor Samsoddin “Pink” Dimaukom told the MindaNews website Tuesday that he had received information that the 68-year-old suffered cardiac arrest somewhere in the town of Guindulungan, Maguindanao province, at around 2 a.m. (1900GMT). “Yes, he died according to his relatives due to his heart disease,” Dimaukom said, adding that he did not know where Kato would be buried.

According to Muslim practice, the body should be laid to rest at most 24 hours after the time of death. The chief peace negotiator from the country’s largest Muslim rebel group – from which BIFF broke away – also confirmed Kato’s death. Mohagher Iqbal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was quoted as saying, “Kato indeed died based on our reliable information.”